Fuse and Breaker Breakdown

National Electrical Safety Month 2015

Do you know what's inside your electrical service panel? Fuses and circuit breakers protect an overloaded electrical circuit by interrupting the flow of electricity, but there are many variations that offer different levels of protection. This Fuse and Breaker Breakdown will help determine what you have in your home, and whether or not you should consider consulting an electrician for an upgrade.

FUSE

STANDARD BREAKER

BRANCH/FEEDER
TYPE AFCI BREAKER

COMBINATION TYPE
AFCI BREAKER

GFCI BREAKER

Commonly found in homes built over 55 years ago

Began appearing in homes built in the 1960's

First-generation AFCI protection required by the 1999 NEC

The 2005 NEC phased out Branch/Feeder AFCIs as of January 1, 2008 for new construction and remodels. Today most circuits should have AFCI protection

The first GFCI breaker was introduced around 1968 and the first receptacle type in 1972

Basic Fire Prevention

Basic Fire Prevention

Moderate Fire Prevention

Enhanced Fire Prevention

Prevents Shocks

Uses a filament that melts when overloaded

Trips when an electrical current exceeds levels determined by the breaker's ratings.

Trips when a parallel arc between the hot and neutral conductors is detected

Provides same protection as Branch/Feeder AFCIs and detects lower level series arcing in both branch circuits and power supply cords

Trips when an unwanted path occurs between an electrical current and a grounded element. Recommended on circuits that could come in contact with water

Must replace with fuse of the same rating if blown

Can be reset and reused after tripping

Use of an oversized fuse, i.e. a 30 amp fuse in a 20 amp circuit is a dangerous fire hazard

Frequent trips of a breaker indicate a problem and should be inspected by a qualified electrician

Parallel arcs are commonly caused by damaged or melted insulation on fixed wiring

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